Overview
The New Jersey Devils will play hockey Sunday night. The sentence Devils fans have waited five months to hear will come to fruition tonight in a preseason game against the New York Islanders. Sunday night’s game won’t count for points in the standings but it will be fans’ first indication of what new head coach Sheldon Keefe’s system will look like. Expect to see different lines than we’re used to and a new dynamic on the bench.
The Devils are coming off a disappointing 2023-24 campaign that saw them fall short of their lofty expectations amidst a slew of injuries and underperformance. General manager Tom Fitzgerald fired Lindy Ruff before the trade hoping to spark his team. After falling short of the playoffs with 81 points, Fitzgerald led the team through a busy offseason that saw the additions of Brett Pesce and Jacob Markstrom. With weapons throughout the lineup and a goaltending tandem that should finally stay consistent, the Devils are hoping for a strong start to the season tonight.
The Islanders are also looking for more after the Carolina Hurricanes bounced them in the first round a few months ago. General Manager Lou Lamoriello had a quiet offseason, his most notable addition being Anthony Duclair on a four year, $3.5 million deal. They’ll look to solidify their system in tonight’s preseason game.
Lines and Pairings
Head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed that Jack Hughes, Timo Meier, and Simon Nemec will not play on Sunday. All of them are healthy but will get the night off because they are coming off injuries. Dawson Mercer will also not play after his recent extension.
Check our social media pages closer to puck drop for lines and pairings.
Keys to the Game
Which Prospects Get Ice Time?
Veteran players treat training camp as a warm-up but for prospects, it’s everything. Each game will be an opportunity for them to compete for the ability to fill holes in the lineup when injuries pop up. Seamus Casey should be on every fan’s radar after impressing at the Prospect Challenge. Cam Squires is also at camp and had a terrific Prospect Challenge tournament. Lastly, Chase Stillman, the 2021 first-round pick, will also be in the mix.
How Will the Team Look? Does it Matter?
Fans will always scrutinize a new head coach’s first game and with good reason. Tonight will be a good opportunity to see what scheme new head coach Sheldon Keefe has in mind. Former head coach Lindy Ruff favored a high-octane offensive attack, and with New Jersey’s weapons, Keefe will probably replicate that formula. The Devils have been practicing special teams heavily as of late. Look for Keefe to make some changes to power play after an anemic campaign last year.
Don’t be afraid if the team looks rusty, even terrible. It’s been a long offseason and their best hockey is yet to come. The offense will also be down two of its star forwards in Hughes and Meier.
Where to Watch
Tonight’s game can be seen on MSGSN at 7:00 pm ET.